MS-ESS3-1 - Performance Expectation

Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how the uneven distributions of Earth's mineral, energy, and groundwater resources are the result of past and current geoscience processes.

Middle School · Next Generation Science Standards · NGSS Lead States 2013

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Vocabulary
scientific explanationevidenceuneven distributionsEarth's mineral resourcesEarth's energy resourcesEarth's groundwater resourcesgeoscience processespast geoscience processescurrent geoscience processes
Skills
  • construct (scientific explanations) #dok3
  • analyze (scientific evidence related to distributions of natural resources) #dok3
  • explain (relationships between geoscience processes and resource distribution) #dok2
  • compare (effects of past and current geoscience processes on resource distribution) #dok2
Learning Targets
  • I can identify and describe Earth's mineral, energy, and groundwater resources. #dok1
  • I can recognize examples of past and current geoscience processes. #dok1
  • I can explain how the uneven distribution of Earth's resources results from geoscience processes. #dok2
  • I can compare the effects of past versus current processes on the locations of resources. #dok2
  • I can analyze evidence that links geoscience processes to resource distribution. #dok3
  • I can construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes have led to the distribution of mineral, energy, and groundwater resources. #dok3
Big Ideas
  • The distribution of Earth's natural resources is the result of both past and ongoing geoscience processes.
  • Understanding where resources are found helps explain how Earth's dynamic systems shape the environment and affect human society.
Essential Questions
  • How are Earth’s mineral, energy, and groundwater resources distributed across the planet?
  • What geoscience processes have influenced the locations of these resources?
  • How can evidence from Earth’s past help us understand current patterns of resource distribution?
  • Why are some resources abundant in certain locations but scarce in others?
  • How do the formation and movement of Earth’s crust impact the availability of natural resources?